A new television reality show sends five Amish kids into a 'Big Brother'-style house in LA, and introduces them to bikinis, fast cars, and all manner of modern temptations.
Of-course, jokes about "Hassidim on the Dude Ranch" being next were quick to follow. But what's of real Jewish interest is the Amish idea of "Rumspringa," or "running free." For up to a year, Amish teens are allowed to leave the Amish way of life and explore the outside world, in order to decide for themselves that they truly want to live as Amish before they are baptised.
According to this interesting article -- which also, by the way, speculates that the kids in the program show signs of living outside the Amish framework before filming began -- many Amish communities do not actually encourage their teens to go through with "Rumspringa." Many others who do, see their children end up living just a few miles from their parents, in trailer parks, getting drunk for the year; they can't afford a real interlude in the 'modern' world. Many, however, use their time usefully to weigh up their choices and make sure they are following their way of life out of choice, and not out of habit.
So what am I proposing we learn from this? The Amish have one thing right: many need the option of exploring alternative ways of life without risking the censure of their communities in order to be truly sure of their choices. Others just need a taste of 'freedom' to cure themselves from the illusion that it's worth having. The majority will come back strengthened: 92% of Amish teens who do go through with the ritual, do, apparently, choose their community.
So -- shmitta. That's what I propose. And not just for our teens. Once every seven years, we all get a year off, eat shrimp to our hearts' content and then re-commit to Judaism gladly and willingly.
Or perhaps we should do it the other way round? 6 years of shrimp and one of Judaism?
The polls are open.
2 comments:
Oy vey, what an irresponsible idea. We will just tell HaShem, sorry the rules do not apply this year or for the next 6 because we want a break. I suggest you read more Torah and less blogs.
Shalom
Shomer HaTorah.
I think your idea is a novel and fun one. However, it would never work. Give 'em a taste of freedom and I don't think anyone will truly come back. That 'taste' will always be lurking in their minds. Or if they do eventually return to Judaism it would be after a very long time and lots and lots of soul searching which may take up to their deathbeds.
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